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Illinois Attractions|Festivals|Small Towns

This Small Town In Illinois Transforms Into A Scarecrow Wonderland Each Year

By Elizabeth Crozier | Published September 20, 2018

There’s a fall fair that takes place in a small town in Illinois each year that few people know about. The annual Shelbyville scarecrow festival is a local favorite that people in the area look forward to all year long.

There’s no better way to celebrate this special season. Whether you love scarecrows or just all things autumn, you’ll love this event. Scroll on to check it out.

This year's Scarecrow Daze will take place October 5-8, 2018. For locals of the Shelbyville area, this annual event is one of the most anticipated festivals of the year.

The entire town goes scarecrow wild. Businesses, homes, and parks decorate their lawns with hay and pumpkins in order to transform the place into somewhat of a Halloween Town.

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One of the main events is the Scarecrow Daze Annual Parade. Locals line up along Morgan and First streets beginning at Forest Park to watch musicians, actors, and other members of the community go by.

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Enjoy a line of floats, tractors, mascots, and people dressed like scarecrows. Locals can't get enough of the quirky costumes and decor that make this event truly spectacular.

Guests also enjoy traditional fair fun like food vendors, games, live music, and events for kids. Each day offers something fun and exciting to do.

Additional happenings that are more unique to this scarecrow festival include scarecrow building, a beer tent, a quilt show, a yoga demonstration, and a plethora of fun things for the kids to enjoy such as inflatables.

In conjunction with this incredible scarecrow festival, is the Balloonfest at Lake Shelbyville. The most exciting time to go is at night on October 6, 2018 for the Balloon Glow.

As Illinois has reached its bicentennial, this year's theme will correspond. You can expect to see at least a few scarecrows that look like Abraham Lincoln. You don't want to miss it.

Scarecrow Daze takes place throughout the town of Shelbyville, and you can learn more about it on its website or Facebook page.

For more fun fall-themed things to do this season, check out eight apples festivals taking place in Illinois this year.

If you’ve ever been to this scarecrow festival, we’d love to hear from you. Share your experiences with us below in the comments.

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